Jasprit Bumrah's sudden exclusion from the Indian team ahead of the crucial India-England Test series decider at The Oval has raised several questions. While the BCCI has cited 'workload management' as the reason, reports suggest it is related to a minor knee injury. The decision has sparked debate over whether it was taken at the right time.
Sports News: Just before the fifth and decisive match of the India-England Test series was about to begin on July 31, the BCCI released a press release stating that Jasprit Bumrah was being released from the team under "workload management." This news surprised cricket fans and experts, as the series was at a critical juncture and the team might have needed an experienced bowler like Bumrah.
However, subsequent media reports revealed other aspects of the decision. According to a report in the Times of India, Bumrah has suffered a minor knee injury, which is why he was sent to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for rehab. A BCCI official, on condition of anonymity, said, "It is not a matter of concern. The injury is minor and will not require surgery. The medical team is awaiting his scan report."
Why was Bumrah separated from the team before The Oval Test?
The big question is, if the injury is not serious, why was Jasprit Bumrah separated from the team before the most important Test match of the series? Did Team India simply want to rest him, or was there also a strategic reason?
Many experts believe that even if Bumrah was not in the playing XI, his presence in the dressing room could have strengthened the confidence of the young bowlers. England captain Ben Stokes is also not playing the final Test due to injury, but is still associated with the team. In such a situation, it is natural to question Bumrah's absence.
Excellent comeback by the fast bowlers in Bumrah's absence
Despite the absence of a senior bowler like Bumrah, the Indian team's fast bowlers performed brilliantly in The Oval Test. Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Aakash Deep shook England's batting order badly in the final session of the fourth day.
England needed 374 runs to win, and they had scored 339 runs for the loss of 6 wickets by the end of the fourth day's play. India now need only 4 wickets to win, while England need 35 runs. In such a situation, the match has reached a very exciting stage.
What will happen next regarding Bumrah's fitness?
Bumrah is now being monitored by the BCCI's medical team. He has been sent to the NCA's Centre of Excellence in Bangalore, where he will undergo a rehab process to recover from his injury. It is expected that he will be fully fit and return to the team before the next series.
